Armrest for beds



Nov. 10, 1953 s. BENDER'sKY 2,658,211

ARMREST FOR BEDS Filed Feb. 15, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A =21 k t E?- Nov. 10, 1953 s. BENDERSKY 2,658,211

ARMREST FOR BEDS Filed Feb. 15, 1944 {Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENT OR.

ATTORNEY.

Q Nov. 10, 1953 5 BENDERSKY 2,658,211

ARMREST FOR BEDS Filed Feb. 15, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR. .Benemy New 10, 1953 s. BENDERSKY 2558211 ARMREST FOR BEDS Filed Feb. is, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN T 0R.

Sacfl'e .Beniensfg .is in doubled-up position.

Patented Nov. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARMREST FOR BEDS Sadie Bendersky, South Orange, N. J. Application February 15, 1944, Serial No. 522,426

2 Claims.

My invention relates to beds, such as hospital beds, and it relates more particularly to beds adapted to be used for patients, invalids, or for any healthy person who wishes to spend time in bed, eating, reading, or working, while resting the lower portions of the body.

Patients or invalids who are required by their physical condition to remain in bed for a considerable length of time, and healthy individuals who spend considerable time in bed, suffer from the unnatural condition in which they find themselves. Whereas the human body is normally subjected to a continuous series of muscular actions, reactions, and reflexes resulting from the usual, normal activity of the person going about his daily business, the patient lying in bed is denied the benefits resulting from this muscular activity. In the balance of muscular actions occurring in the human body resulting from the usual motions of the healthy person, there are the actions, reactions, and reflexes of the striped muscles of the arms, legs, and body movements, on the one hand, and the unstriped muscular activity of the internal organs such as those of the digestive system on the other. When there is difiiculty in performing the usual functions of the unstriped muscles, as is sometimes the case, the striped muscles are often called into play to assist the unstriped. Thus, for instance, in the ordinary experience of bowel movement, the tensing of the striped muscles of the body can. often be of great assistance in elimination. Such tensing, however, requires a foundation against which the muscles can strive. This is sometimes supplied by the striped muscles of the body striving against the striped muscles of another portion of the body, as when the body This position is often achieved when the normal, healthy person is seated on a bowl during bowel movement.

The hospital patient or invalid is denied this, however, for the patient is required to rest in a substantially reclining position during bowel movement. Moreover, the patient does not have the benefit of the healthy stimulus to the unstriped muscles afforded by the normal action. reaction and reflexes of the striped muscles, for the patient is not permitted to use, for other than a very limited activity, the striped muscles while lying in bed. Thus, the patient or invalid is hampered in the digestion of food while, at the same time, being denied the means for assisting in the elimination ofundigested food. Experiences are thus common where patients become constipated while lying in bed and re-' quire frequent medication or internal baths to facilitate elimination. Such artificial means are admittedly undesirable, but physicians have been unable to find a substitute for the normal means of cooperation of the striped muscles with the unstriped muscles in effecting healthy elimination.

It is an object of myinvention, therefore, to provide means on a bed to enable its occupant to utilize certain striped muscles to assist the unstriped in bowel movement, while permitting the remainder of the muscles of the body to continue in a substantially resting condition.

Another object of my invention is to provide a bed having means operable toafiord a patient limited exercise, the extent of which is always within. the control of the patient, operatively to enable the patient to render assistance to the digestive and other unstriped muscles by the exercise of the striped muscles.

A further objectof my invention is to provide a bed having means adapted to make the condition of the occupant more comfortable.

With the above and other objects in view, my invention consists of a bed comprising a head portion, a foot portion; and spaced parallel rails connecting said head and foot portions, a mattress support disposed substantially between said rails, and intermediate said head and foot portions, a mattress reclining on said mattress support; a grasp handle mounted on one of said rails and adapted to be grasped by a patient reclining on said mattress.

My invention further consists of a hospital bed comprising a head portion, a foot portion, spaced parallel rails connecting said head and foot portions, a mattress support comprising longitudinal and transverse rails disposed substantially between said first-mentioned rails and intermediate said head and foot portions, and a mattress reclining on said mattress support; said mattress support being adjustable and adapted to be raised or lowered, as desired, at selected portions thereof and at various angles with respect to the horizontal; means mounted on one of saidrails adapted to be positioned in proximity to a portion of the body of a patient reclining on said mattresspperably to enable said patient to bring said portion of said body to bear against said means during the process of elimination.

My invention also consists of a hospital bed including means such as heretofore defined for assisting the patient in the process of elimination, said means comprising a base upon which selected muscles of the human arm may act.

My invention further consists of a bed adapted occupant, said bed comprising a a foot portion, spaced parallel head and foot portions, a mattress-support comprising transverse rails disposed substantially between said first-mentioned rails and intermediate said head and foot portions, and a mattress reclining on said mattresssupport; said mattress support being adjustable and adapted to be raised or lowered, as desired, at a selected portion thereof and at an angle to the horizontal; an arm rest; and means associated with said mattress support for removably securing said arm rest to said bed, operabiy disposing said arm rest in position to support an arm of said occupant.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention, I have shown in the accompanying drawings forms thereof which are at present preferred by me, since the same have been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organizations of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

With reference now to the drawings in which like reference character indicate like parts:

Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a hospital bed embodying my invention, and a patient resting thereon in the act of elimination in accordance with my invention.

Figure 2 represents a fragmentary perspective view of a grasp handle and arm rest unit, mounted on the rail of a bed, embodying my invention.

Figure 3 represents a sectional view of a grasp handle and arm rest unit mounted on a hospital bed, with the arm rest disposed in an out-ofthe-way" position, embodying my invention.

Figure 4 represents a perspective view of a modified embodiment of my invention comprising a grasp handle and arm rest unit mounted on a bed.

Figure 5 represents a vertical sectional view of the modified embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 4 and showing the arm rest in an out-of-the-way position.

Figure 6 represents a fragmentary view of the rear of a chassis and rail assembly embodying my invention, illustrating a means for locking said chassis to the rail.

Figure 7 represents a perspective view of another embodiment of my invention.

Figure 8 represents a perspective view of an arm-rest assembly of modified construction embodying my invention.

Figure 9 represents a perspective view of a further modified construction embodying my inven tion.

Figure 10 represents a perspective view of the head and upper portion of a bed of another modifled construction embodying my invention.

Figure 11 represents a side view, partly in section, and greatly enlarged, of the modified construction illustrated in Figure 10, embodying my invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a fragmentary, sectional view of a modified construction of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 10, and embodying my invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a fragmentary view of a further modified construction of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 10, and embodying my invention.

to support an head portion, rails connecting said Figure 14 represents a perspective view of another modified construction of the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figure 10, and embodying my invention.

It is to be understood that wherever the phrase hospital bed is used, it is to be considered as applying as well to any bed, whether used or adapted to be used in a hospital 01 not, the term hospital being illustrative only. However, the conditions prevailing in hospitals are aptly suited for illustrating the needs of a patient or invalid in a bed such as that embodied in my invention. Thus, whereas means for exercising a patient or for aiding in elimination are highly desirable, yet it is also of prime importance that no impedimenta be presented betwe n the patient and the nurse, interne, or physician who must frequently have free access to the body of the patient. It is, therefore, important that whatever aids are afforded the patient be either of small size, of facile mobility in removal when desired, or both.

Moreover, a convalescing patient who, although needing little care, spend virtually all of his time in bed, is subjected to bed sores, constipation and other unpleasant results if comforting and relaxing means are not provided for permitting limited but constructive exercise of selected muscles, while resting other selected portions of the body.

Nevertheless, it is to be understood that my invention is equally adapted for use by healthy persons who desire to "sit up" in bed, resting, reading, or eating there in a relaxed position.

in accordance with my invention, I provide a bed ID which may be of a standard hospital bed design, or may be of any desired structure. This bed comprises a head portion II, a foot portion 12, spaced parallel rails l3 and I4 connecting said head and foot portions, and a mattress support 15 mounted on said rails. If desired, the mattress support l5 may be adjustable, such as that illustrated in Figure 1, so as to enable a patient to rest in a seated position, a semi-reclining position, or in a reclining position, at the will of the physician or otherwise as desired. A suitable mattress I6 is disposed on said mattress support l5. Each rail l3 and M comprises an angle iron having a vertical-walled bar portion 23 and an upper, horizontal-walled bar portion 24 integrally formed therewith.

A mounting unit, or chassis, I1 is disposed on the rail 13, and a similarly constructed mounting unit, or chassis, I8 is disposed on the rail I4. For purposes of description, I shall describe in detail the chassis II with respect to the rail I3; and it is to be understood that the chassis l8 may'lze similarly constructed with respect to the rail The chassis [1 consists of a panel l9 juxtaposed to the outside face 20 of the rail IS. A slide bearing 2| is vertically disposed along one edge of the panel I9, and a roller bearing assembly 22 projects toward the median axis of the bed, and embraces, and is adapted to roll upon. the horizontal, bar portion 24 of the rail I3.

The roller bearing assembly 22 may be constructed in the following manner: Horizontally disposed rollers 25 and 26, preferably having an outer bearing surface of rubber or other suitable material, are respectively rotatably mounted on spindles 21 and 28, disposed along a horizontal plane intercepting said vertical panel ID. The spindles 21 and 28 are mounted on said panel in a cantilever manner and project from the inner face of said panel toward the median axis of said bed. A roller-mounting panel 28 is secured to the inner ends of the spindles 21 and 28, and is carried hereby, said roller mounting panel 29 being spaced from the panel I9 sufficiently to embrace the horizontal-walled bar portion 24 of the bed-rail i3 therebetween. Suitable rollers 30 and. 3| formed of rubber or other so-called silent roller material are respectively mounted on suitable spindles 32 and 33 disposed along a horizontal plane beneath the plane of the spindles 21 and 28; said spindles 32 and 33 being mounted on the outer face of the roller mounting panel 29, and projecting outwardly toward the panel IS. The lower edge of the panel I!) is inwardly turned as at 34 a distance below the lower edge of the rollers 25 and 26 equal to the height of the vertical-walled bar 23 plus sufficient space to allow free longitudinal motion therealong.

In operation, the rollers 25 and 26 rest upon the horizontal bar 24, and are retained in longitudinal and parallel moving relation to the rail l3 by the panels l9 and 29 depending from said rollers 25 and 26 and embracing said rail. The rollers 30 and 3| outwardly projecting from the roller-mounting panel 29 along a horizontal plane disposed beneath that of the spindles 21 and 28, enable said rollers 30 and 3| to be carried by said roller-mounting panel 29 beneath the horizontal-walled bar 24, and yet to prevent vertical angular displacement of said roller bearing assembly during longitudinal movement thereof, as well as to prevent angular displacement of the whole mounting unit I! during the use thereof by the patient, which use will be more fully described hereinafter.

The inwardly turned edge 34 of the panel I 9 serves to cooperate with the rollers 30, 3| to prevent upward displacement of the mounting unit when in use.

The slide bearing 2| comprises a vertical stanchion 35 secured to the panel I9 by any suitable means such as the weld 36. A hollow, slide bearing 31 is formed through the upper face 38 of the stanchion 35 and projects downwardly through said stanchion 35 to a step-bearing 39 comprising the lower end of said slide bearing 31. A key-way 40 extends vertically along said slide bearing 31 through a substantial portion thereof.

A vertical shaft 4| of an external diameter slightly less or substantially equal to the internal diameter of the slide bearing 31 is adapted to be inserted into said slide bearing, and is limited against rotation therein by means of a 'key 42 projecting outwardly from one side of said shaft 4|. The lower end 43 of the shaft 4| is adapted to rest upon the step bearing 39. The upper end 44 of the shaft 4| is secured by any suitable means, such as freezing, welding, or integral formation with a horizontal arm 45 adapted to project inwardly toward the median axis of the bed when the shaft 4| is inserted within the slide bearing 31. An arm rest 46 is secured to the arm 45, or otherwise projects therefrom, and is formed according to any suitable contour or conformation. If desired, this arm rest may comprise a portion 4'! adapted to sustain the forearm, a hand receiving portion 48, and an elbow nest 49. Also, if desired, the arm rest 46 may be suitably padded.

A lug 5B is mounted on the outer face of the panel i9 and has vertically disposed therethrough a slide bearing 5| opening through both the upper and lower faces of said lug 50, said slide bearing 5| being of a diameter substantially equal to the slide bearing 31. A key-way 52 is disposed along said slide bearing 5| along the side thereof opposite to the side of the slide bearing 3'! along which the key-way 40 is formed.

A grasp handle 53 is mounted on the upper edge of the panel l9, and said panel I9 is hollowed out as at 54 to enable the fingers of a hand to pass therethrough in order to grasp said handle 53.

A suitable latch 55 is mounted on the inner face of the panel I9 and is adapted to interlock with anyof a series of interstices 56 disposed within the horizontal bar portion 24 of the rail H3, at the will of the patient, nurse, or other attendant. The interstices 56 may consist of holes drilled or otherwise formed through the bar 24, undulating crevices (not shown) formed on the upper face of said bar, or they may be formed in an auxiliary bar (not shown) mounted on the rail l3 and adapted to sustain the rollers and 26 as well as interlock with the latch 55.

If desired, the slide bearing 31 may be formed without a key-way, as illustrated in Figure 1. In the assembly therein illustrated, the upper face 38 of the stanchion serves as a step bearing for the key 42 projecting from the shaft 4|, and a suitable stud-bolt 51 is disposed through the stanchion 58 of said assembly and is adapted to hold the'shaft 4| against rotation therein.

In operation, the chassis is rolled out along the rail l3 until it is in suitable position with respect to the body of the patient 60, whereupon the latch 55 is inserted in the nearest interstice 56, to hold the unit against longitudinal displacement along the rail l3. The shaft 4| is then inserted through the slide bearing 31, thereby bringing the arm rest 46 into operable position with respect to the body of the patient 60. The patient can then rest her arm on the rest 46, as desiredfor her comfort. During bowel movement, moreover, she is now in proper position for exerting muscular pressure against the elbow nest 49 and the hand rest 48, thereby tensing striped muscles in her body to assist the unstriped muscles in evacuating the bowels. By this means, only a selected group of muscles is tensed, while all the remainder of the muscles of her body are permitted to remain at rest.

When it is desired to remove the arm rest from its position in proximity to the patients body, it is merely necessary to lift it out of the slide hearing 31, turn it upside down, and pass its shaft 4| vertically upward through the slide bearing 5| of the lug 50. In doing this, it is necessary to rotate it one-half turnin order to permit its key 42 to pass through the key-way52 of the lug 50. When this is done, the arm rest is then again rotated one-half turn operably to cause the lug to slide along the upper face 59 of the lug 50 as a step bearing and to dispose the arm and arm rest 46 beneath the bed in an out-of-the- Way position, as illustrated in Figure 3.

When the patient is in fully reclined position on the bed In, she is enabled to grasp the handle 53 to assist her in turning or moving about in the bed, and also to enable her to hold on to something solid for purposes of mildly exercising the striped muscles of her arms, chest, abdomen, etc., said exercise being adapted to invigorate the unstriped muscles of her body so as to strengthen them for normal action. Moreover, the grasp handle 53 is likewise adapted to be used by the patient for exerting muscular tension to assist her in bowel movement.

When it is desired to withdraw the mounting- 2,ess,211

unit from its operative position with respect to the patient, it is merely necessary to suspend the arm rest 46 through the lug 58 as hereinbefore described, release the latch 55 and roll the mounting unit rearwardly toward the head of the bed. It is then in a completely out-of-the-way" position, and is available for return to operative position whenever desired; such return being effectuated by merely rolling the mounting unit forward to its desired location and latching it to the rail I3, thereby anchoring it in place.

In Figures 4, 5, and 6 is illustrated a modified embodiment of my invention. In this embodiment, I provide a mounting unit, or chassis, 82 comprising a vertically disposed panel 63, a roller assembly 64, similar to the roller assembly 22, a stanchion 65, and a grasp handle 66 mounted on the panel 63 and forwardly projecting therefrom. A latch 61 is disposed on the inner face of the panel 63. This latch is pivoted to said panel, as at 88 and is shaped in the form of a bell-crank. One arm of the bell-crank latch "projects downwardly as at 68 and is adapted to interlock with an interstice 18 in the rail I3. The other arm of the bell-crank latch 61 extends upwardly and is shaped at its outer end into a finger-receiving portion 1|. A leaf-spring 12 is secured at one end 13 thereof to the inner face of the panel 83, and bears towards its other end against the forward face 18 of the upper arm 15 of the bell-crank 61 operably to urge the lower arm 68 of the bell crank into the interstice 18, thereby latching the chassis 62 against longitudinal displacement with respect to the rail I3.

The stanchion 65 has formed therein a. bearing 16 opening through the upper end 11 of said stanchion. This upper end 11 is a step bearing adapted to support a block 18. A shaft 19 projects downwardly from the block 18 and into the bearing 16; and is either frozen against rotation therein, or is otherwise locked in any desired manner against such rotation. A block 88 of conformation similar to the block 18 is mounted on one leaf 8| of a hinge 82, and secured thereto by any suitable means such as screws (not shown). Another leaf 83 of said hinge 82 is secured to and mounted on, the upper face of the block 18. A post 84, preferably formed integrally with the block 88 projects upwardly therefrom, and is pivotally secured at its upper end to one end of a horizontally disposed arm 85 by means of a vertically disposed trunnion 81. The other end of the arm 85 is secured to an arm rest 86.

In operation, the arm 85 and arm rest 88 are swung about the trunnion 81 as a pivot, until the arm rest 86 is in proper location with respect to the body of the patient to enable said patient to recline on said arm rest 88. When it is desired to dispose of the arm rest 88, it is merely necessary to lift the arm rest 86 and rotate it about the hinge 82 until the block 88, post 84, and arm 85 are freely suspended therefrom; the arm 85 is then rotated about the pivot 81 until the arm rest 88 is located beneath the bed.

When it is desired to again use the arm rest 86, it is merely necessary to swing the arm 85 outwardly about the trunnion 81, and to lift the post 84 about the hinge 82 until the leaf 8| supporting the block 88 rests upon the leaf 83 mounted on the block 18. If desired, any suitable means such as the stud-bolt 88 may be utilized adjustably to fixate the arm 85 on the trunnion 81 when it is being positioned with respect to the patient 88.

In Figure 7 is illustrated another modified embodiment of my invention. In this embodiment the chassis 88 comprises a body structure 9|, made of sheet material such as sheet metal, mounted on the rail I3 by means of a roller bearing assembly 92 similar to the roller bearing assembly 22. The sheet material body 8| comprises a base portion 88 and a grasp handle portion 84 forwardly projecting therefrom. The base portion 93 has formed therein a doubleslotted recess extending vertically through its top portion 98. This double-slotted recess 88 is formed by folding the sheet material inwardly and rearwardly against itself, as at 81, and then bending it inwardly and forwardly as at 98 to form a forwardly projecting wall H5 in spaced relation to the rearwardly folded material 81 and parallel to the plane of the original sheet material 83. The forwardly projecting wall H8 is then outwardly and rearwardly bent at I8I until it is projecting rearwardly as at 98, when it is once more folded, this time outwardly and forwardly upon itself as at I88 until the metal again projects forwardly in the same plane as the original metal 93. The folds 81 and I88 are preferably spaced a distance substantially equal to one-third the distance between the bends 88 and ISI. If desired, a base lug I82 may be outwardly struck out of the bottom portion of the forwardly projecting wall I|5 intermediate the folds 81 and I88, said lug I82 projecting into the downward path of the recess 85. If desired, a similar recess I83 may be formed on the chassis 98 intermediate the recess 85 and the grasp handle 84. The roller bearing assembly 82 is secured to the body portion 93 through suitable radial bearings I84.

A suitable latch I85 is secured preferably to the rearward portion of the chassis 98 and is adapted to interlock with suitable interstices 58 on the bed rail I8.

A vertical shaft I86 is formed of sheet material such as sheet metal and is crimped so as to form the slide panels I81 and I88 disposed along one plane and an intermediate rib I88 outwardly projecting therefrom; the rearward and forward edges of the slide panels I88 and I81 bein spaced substantially equal to, or slightly less than the space intermediate the rearward bend 88 and forward bend I8I of the double-slotted recess 85. the width of the rib I89 being substantially equal to or slightly less than the space intermediate the V rearward fold 81 and forward fold I88 of said recess 85, and the thickness of the slide panels I81 and. I88 being substantially equal to or slightly less than the space between the forwardly projecting wall H5 and the reverse folds 81 and I88. The vertical shaft I88 is thus adapted to be slid into the recess 85, and to project downwardly there-through until the lower edge II8 thereof abuts or rests upon the lug I82.

The upper portion of the shaft I86 is inwardly bent as at III to form a horizontal portion H2. This horizontal portion H2 is downwardly bent along both its forward and rearward sides as at H3 and I I4, and then bent generally toward the median axis of the horizontal portion II2, operably to form a sleeve having a solid upper wall II8, side walls II3 and Ill and a split bottom wall H1. The outward edges 8 of the split bottom wall bear against the inner faces of the vertical slide panels I81 and I88 operably to render additional support for the horizontal por- I3 equal to or slightly greater than tion H2. A slide shaft H9, which may be made of sheet material is adapted to be disposed within the sleeve I I2. This shaft is of a thickness and width substantially equal to the internal thickness and width of the sleeve H2 and is adapted to be frictionally or otherwise held against undesired longitudinal displacement therealong, said friction or other holding means being insufficient however to retain said shaft against such displacement when it is desired intentionally to extendsaid shaft H9 outwardly from, or inwardly to, said sleeve I I2. An arm rest I20 is mounted on the inward portion of said shaft I I9 and is of such contour, texture, and position as to render it adaptable for supporting the arms of a patient sitting up in the bed.

In operation, when it is desired to withdraw the arm rest from juxtaposition to the patient, it is merely necessary to lift it with its vertical shaft I06 out of the double slotted recess 95, turn it upside down, with the arm rest I20 positioned beneath the bed, and reinsert the shaft I06 upwardly through the bottom portion of the double slotted recess I03. A suitable retaining means such as a locking pin I2I having a thumb release I22 may be used to retain said shaft against undesired downward displacement through the recess I03. When the locking pin I2I is used, a suitable recess such as the interstice I23 may be formed through the vertical shaft I06, and adapted to receive the locking pin I2I in interlocking relation therewith. The outwardly extending rib I09 of the vertical shaft I06 prevent this shaft from being inserted through the recess I03 in reverse position, with the arm rest portion extending outwardly instead of beneath the bed. If desired, the grasp handle 94 may be formed into a circular or semi-circular shape as shown, operable to render it more comfortable for grasping.

In Figure 8 is shown a modified embodiment of my invention wherein the arm rest I20 is mounted on the vertical shaft I06 by means of a horizontally disposed slide shaft H2 extending into a sleeve H3 mounted on the vertical shaft I06. Adjustment means I24 are provided for fixatingly adjusting the distance between the arm rest I20 and the shaft I06. In this embodiment of my invention, the friction between the horizontal shaft I I 2 and the sleeve I I 3 may be reduced to a minimum, and any one of various retaining mean such for instance as the thumb screw I25 may be used to hold said shaft H2 against displacement Within the sleeve I I 3.

In Figure 9 is illustrated another modified embodiment of my invention, wherein the vertical shaft I06 is disposed through double slotted recesses I 26 formed between the bed rail I3 and the retaining bar I21. The retaining bar I21 is preferably formed of a sheet material such as sheet metal and is securely mounted on the bed rail by means of suitable retaining means such as the screws I28. Intermediate the screws I28, the retaining bar is formed into a series of recesses I26, preferably each of which is formed lowing manner: The bar is outwardly bent as at I29 until it has traversed a distance from the rail the thickness of the slide panels I01 and I08, whereupon the bar is bent forwardly to form a vertical wall I30 substantially parallel to the vertical wall portion 23 of the bed rail I3. The vertical wall I30 is then extended forwardly a distance substantially equal to the width of the slide panel I08, whereupon it is bent outwardly, forwardly and then inwardly to form a recessed wall I 3| of a conformation and in the fOl- I 10 internal measurement substantially similar to the conformation and external measurement of the rib I09 of the vertical shaft I06. The retaining bar is then bent forwardly to form a retaining wall I32 along the same. plane as the retaining wall I 30 until it has traversed substantially the width of the vertical shaft I06, whereupon it is inwardly bent and reversely folded upon itself as at I33. The inner edge of the reverse fold I33 extends inwardly suflicient to traverse the thickness of the slide panel I 01 and to bear against the vertical wall 23 of the bed rail I3. The reverse fold I33 then begins the next adjacent recess I26.

In operation, the vertical shaft I06 may selectively be disposed through any of the recesses I26 according to the requirements of the position of the patient in the bed. Suitable recesses I34 may be formed in the vertical shaft I 06, adapted to interlock with any desired retaining means, such as the pin I 35 flexibly secured to the shaft I06, when said retaining means or pin I35 has been passed through the co-aligning recess I36 on the retaining bar I 21, operably to retain said shaft I06 against vertical displacement within any of the recesses I26. When it is desired to withdraw the arm rest I20, from the upper portion of the bed,it is merely necessary to withdraw the retaining pin I35 from the retaining bar I21 and to lift the shaft I06 out of the recess I26. The shaft may then be turned upside down and re-inserted through one of the recesses I26, and the retaining pin I35 re-inserted through the recess I and co-aligned recess I34, to interlock the shaft against vertical displacement within the recess I 26.

mvent1on, are brought into proximity to the body of the pafitlient, and are readily removable therefrom at w According to this embodiment of my invention, I provide a frame I40 adapted to be mounted on the mattress support, such as the frame I 5 of the bed spring, the head portion I4I thereof.

downwardly when is lowered to the horizontal adapted to bear against the inner face I52 of the bar I44.

from its hooked end I5I against the spring tension thereof when the handle I55 of the lever I58 is turned downwardly to a locking position. When the handle I55 is pulled upwardly about the eccentric pivot I56 thereof, the hooked end I5I is released from the bar I44, thereby unlocking the same.

Spaced, parallel arm rests I51 and I58 are respectively mounted on the cross arm I48 in general proximity to the I46, and are adapted to be disposed one on either side of a patient resting in the bed. Although it is possible to dispose the arm rests I51 and I58 upon the longitudinal arms I and I46, a preferable embodiment of my invention comprises Y the arm rests I51 and I58 disposed intermediate the longitudinal arms I45 and I46. By this disposition of the arm rests, it is assured that when the patient rests on one of the arms as for instance the arm I51, the point of application of force is disposed intermediate the fulcrum I48 and the center of gravity I62 of the frame I48. By this means, the stability of the frame is assured. and the increase of pressure of the patients body upon the arm rest only increases the pressure of the frame bearing upon the frame mounting structure, operably to increase the locking action thereof. Suitable covering material, such as the wrappings I59 which may include padding (not shown) is disposed about the longitudinal arms. cross arms, and arm rests, as desired.

In operation, when it is desired to use the frame, the head portion I4I of the mattress support is raised by the means provided in the hospital bed until it is inclined at the desired angle. The frame I48 is then slipped over the head portion of the mattress I6, with the downwardly projecting arms I49 and I58 of the frame extending over the upper edge I68 of the mattress, and the cross-arm I48 resting upon the upper face I6I of said mattress I6. The upper portions I63 of the longitudinal arms I45 and I46, are then pressed downwardly and rearwardly against the mattress so as to project the hooked ends I5I beyond the under edge of the bar I44, The frame I48 is then pulled downwardly and forwardly until the hooked ends I5I pass forwardly of the lower edge of the bar I44, whereupon the frame is released by the one assembling. The spring action of the mattress thereupon automatically urges the longitudinal arms I45 and I46 upwardly and forwardly, carrying with them the respec tive downwardly projecting arms I49 and I58, each of which carrie with it the hooked end I5I. In doing so, the hooked end I5I embraces the bar I44 in interlocking engagement therewith. The handle I of the eccentrically pivoted locking bar I53 is then turned downwardly against the spring tension of the hooked end I5I, operably to lock the downwardly projecting arms I49 and I58 against displacement with respect to the bar I44 of the bed spring frame I5. The arm-rests I51 and I58 are now firmly secured in place.

If desired, a pillow I64 may be mounted on the frame I48 in the following manner: The pillow is set up lengthwise between the arm rests I51 and I58, with one end I65 projecting above the cross-arm I41. The upper extremity I66 of this end portion I65 is then tucked securely between the cross-arm I41 and the mattress I6, thereby holding the pillow I64 in place operably to serve as a body back rest for the patient; and a padding protecting the patients body from contact with both cross-arms I41 and I48. If further longitudinal arms I45 and padding is desired, a second pillow I61 may be disposed over the first pillow I64, in a crosswise manner, the second pillow I61 resting upon the rearward portions of the arm rests I51 and I58. When this is done, the pillow I61 protects the patients body from contact with the longitudinal arms I45 and I46, and gives a complete padded back-rest support in all directions.

In Figure 12 is illustrated a modified embodiment of my invention whereby the frame I48 is secured to the bar portion I44 without the necessity of using a locking lever. By this embodiment, I provide a mounting unit or retaining bar I68 having a downwardly projecting hook I68 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the upper portion thereof. This mounting unit I68 is permanently secured to the rearward face I54 of the bar portion I44 by any suitable means such as the rivet I18, nut-and-bolt assembly, or other suitable means. The frame I1I of this embodiment of my invention is substantially identical with the frame I48 with the exception that instead of the downwardly projecting arms I49 and I58, this frame I1I is provided with similar downwardly projecting arms I12, each of which project downwardly an extent sufficient to traverse the hook I69 on the mounting unit I68. The orifice I13 extends through each of the downwardly projecting arms I12 and is adapted to enable the hook I69 to pass therethrough. In operation, when it is desired to use the frame III, it is merely necessary to place the frame upon the mattress in the general position which it will have when it is ready for use, with the downwardly projecting arms I12 in operative juxtaposition to the mounting units I68. The upper portions I63 of the longitudinal arms of the frame I1I are then pressed downwardly and rearwardly against the spring action of the mattress I6, until the orifices I13 are presented to the hooks I68, whereupon the frame is pulled downwardly and forwardly until the hooks I69 have passed through the orifices I13, whereupon the frame is released permitting the spring action of the mattress to force it upwardly, thereby interlocking the downwardly projecting arms I12 with the hooks I69.

In Figure 13 is illustrated another embodiment of my invention whereby other means are provided for securing the frame to the bar I44 without the use of a lever. In this embodiment, the frame I14 is provided having downwardly projecting arms I15 and I16, the lower ends of which are turned in a forward direction as at I11 and I18, These ends I11 and I18 are preferably perpendicular to the downwardly projecting arms I15 and I16. The bar I44 has formed therethrough interstices I19 and I88 adapted to receive and interlock with the respective ends I11 and I18 of the downwardly projecting arms I18 and I16.

In operation, when it is desired to use the frame I14, it is placed upon the mattress I6 in a position substantially similar to that which it will maintain in its secured condition, with the downwardly projecting arms I15 and I16 extending over the upper edge I68 of the mattress I6, with the ends I11 and I18 in juxtaposition to the entrance of the interstices I19 and I88. The crossarm I41 is then grasped at its center and is pulled downwardly and forwardly operably to draw with it the ends I11 and I18, projecting them into interlocking engagement with the interstices I19 and I88. The frame I14 is then securely in place.

In Figure 14 is illustrated a further embodiment of my invention, whereby means are provided for lodging the frame firmly on the mattress, without resorting to anchoring the frame on the bar I44. In this embodiment of my invention, I provide a frame I8I of conformation and structure substantially similar to that of the frame I14, with the exception of the downwardly projecting arms. In the frame I M, I provide instead, arms I82 and I 83, which project downwardly only to proximity to the median height of the mattress I6. A cross-bar or anchoring bar I84 extends between, and is secured to, the forward faces of the downwardly projecting arms I82 and I83 by any suitable means such as the rivet I85.

In operation, when it is desired to use the frame I 8I it is merely laid on the upper surface I6I of the mattress I6 and is drawn forwardly until the anchoring bar I 84 bears against the upper edge I60 of the mattress I6. When the patient rests his weight on the arm rests I57 and I58, or either of them, the force of said weight is transmitted through the frame to the anchoring 'bar I84 which bears against the upper edge I60 of the mattress I6 operably to transmit said force thereto. In the usual structure of mattresses of the type used in hospital beds, the upper edges I60 are of firm build and adapted to resist lateral forces, such as would be transmitted thereto in this case. As illustrated in Figure 14, the outer edges I86 of the anchoring bar comprise a leading edge formed at right angles to the forward surface of the bar, said leading edge being adapted to bear against the mattress material whenever there is any tendency toward lateral motion of the frame, operably to resist said motion and to anchor the frame in place.

I am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiments to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. An arm rest assembly adapted to be used in conjunction with a bed comprising a body supporting portion and a rail; said arm-rest assembly comprising a mounting section, means securing said mounting section to said rail, a post, an extension arm swingably secured to one end of said post for movement about a vertical axis, means 14 for securing said extension arm fixedly in adjusted position on said post, an arm rest carried by said extension arm, and horizontal pivot means securing the other end of the post to said mount- 5 ing section, for pivotal movement of the post about an axis parallel to said rail, the construction and arrangement being such that the arm rest may .be located in operative position over said body supporting portion or swung to inoperative position under said body supporting portion.

2. An arm rest assembly adapted to be used in conjunction with a bed comprising a bodysupporting portion and a rail disposed generally along one side of said body-supporting portion; said arm rest assembly comprising a mounting section, means securing said mounting section to said rail, a post supported by said mounting section and having a substantially vertical axis; and a substantially horizontally disposed arm rest rotatably supported by said post and movable about said axis and over said body supporting portion, and said post comprising members hinged together along an axis transverse to said first named axis and substantially parallel to said rail, said arm rest being positioned beneath said body supporting portion when one of said members is rocked downward about said hinge axis and said arm rest is turned about said vertical axis.

=SADIE BEN'DERSKY.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 38,700 Sebo May 26, 1863 274,392 Sargent Mar. 20, 1883 325,000 Johnson Aug. 25, 1885 540,016 Davis et al. May 28, 1895 651,539 Warren June 12, 1900 796,791 Anderson Aug. 8, 1905 892,817 Feely July 7, 1908 1,171,712 Gibson Feb. 15, 1916 1,250,086 Borton Dec. 11, 1917 1,280,792 MacEachern Oct. 8, 1918 1,527,754 Simon -1 Feb. 24, 1925 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 759,489 France Nov. 16, 1933 151,305 Germany May 14, 1904 112,238 Great Britain Jan. 3, 1918 131,060 Switzerland Apr. 1, 1929 

